The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) hosted its annual meet-and-greet ice cream social event to kick off Fall Recruitment on Aug. 31 and Sept. 7.

The events, which were both held in the Heyward Community Center, were open for all female students interested in joining a Panhellenic sorority. During the meet-and-greet and social, girls were given a chance to get to know the active members of Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi), Kappa Delta (KD), and Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) and learn a little bit about each sorority.

For example, each sorority partner with a charity has their own history of sisterhood. ADPi is partnered with the Ronald McDonald House which searches for ways to improve the health and happiness of children. KD is heavily involved locally in the Durant’s Children Center and nationally dedicated to the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse.

ZTA’s focus is breast cancer education and awareness. While at the events, several of the active members of FMU’s NPC sororities shared their hopes and advice for the coming recruitment. Alexius Carter, a senior biology major said that joining a sorority helps sisters grow as individuals.

“I just want each of them to know that joining a sorority, whichever one, can be one of the best experiences of your collegiate career,” Carter said. “Not to mention the fact that it helps you develop into a better person, and gives you great organizational and leadership skills. You really become better prepared for your future.”

Lauren Gainey is a Junior Nursing major and member of KD.

“I know some girls come into recruitment looking to be in a certain sorority but I feel like each girl gets much more out of the recruitment process and ends up happier over all when she goes through recruitment with an open mind.”

While recruitment has already been closed, Cheri Richardson, Associate Dean of Students and advisor for the NPC, has some advice for girls who are interested in joining a sorority in the future.

According to Richardson, any woman who is a full-time student at FMU is eligible to be a member in a Panhellenic sorority she must also have and maintain an overall 2.5 GPA.

More information can be found on the FMU website.